Neighbors React To Caton Meth Bust

Caton (WENY) -- Neighbors in the Town of Caton are relieved after a meth lab on their street is busted by state police.

Troopers were investigating a stolen property case at a home on Sagetown Road, when they found drug paraphernalia in plain view outside the home and an active meth lab. Police also say there was a 12-year-old child in the home. Nine people were arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child. They're from Caton, Cameron, Corning, Lindley, Painted Post and Troy, Pennsylvania. Eight of the suspects are now in the Steuben County jail, and one was issued an appearance ticket.

Authorities are still investigating, including the District Attorney's office, Department of Social Services, Caton Fire Department and Chemung County Humane Society.

Neighbors say they've been putting up with nonsense for years from the arrested residents. For safety reasons, they want to remain anonymous, but they're very thankful the police have finally stepped in.

"I'm very happy because our neighborhood will be safer," said one neighbor. "We had to lock everything, our cars, everything because we just didn't trust them."

"They would come to our door at 3 a.m.

and want to use our phone," said another neighbor. "I wouldn't open the door for them, I would just tell them to go away. We'd watch them pull up past our pine trees, walk down to his house and somebody walk back up. One time they were seen by our camper with flashlights, whether they were hiding drugs or not, we don't know."

Some neighbors say they have called the cops several times in the past, but there was never any evidence to investigate.

"A couple of our friends' neighbors have had them try to break into their sheds, garage, using phones," she added. "Basically just walking around the street all hours of the night you'd see them."

Police found two dogs at the scene and brought them to the Chemung County SPCA. On top of everything else, neighbors say the pit bulls used to "terrorize" the neighborhood.

"We're glad they got busted because the kids can be safe playing outside instead of always watching for the pit bulls,"said a neighbor. "They were scared to death to be out here."

State troopers said they collected evidence in the house such as mixing bowls, spoons and pill grinders, which are all components for a meth lab. No meth-related charges will be filed until lab tests confirm that a liquid found in the home is methamphetamine. Those tests could take a few weeks to be processed.

The following is a press release from the Painted Post State Police:

On August 21, 2012 at about 6:30pm, Troopers from the Painted Post State Police Barracks and the Caton Town Police Department responded to 11118 Sagetown Road in the Town of Caton regarding a stolen property investigation.During this investigation, drug paraphernalia was observed in plain view inside of the residence.During the preliminary investigation, an active methamphetamine laboratory was discovered.It was also discovered that there was a 12 year old child inside of the residence while this was taking place.The residence was then secured and maintained by State Police.

Members of the New York State Police Southern Tier Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) responded to the residence.A search warrant was obtained and the warrant is currently being executed by members from the New York State Police Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team (CCERT).

Nine subjects were taken into custody and arrested for endangering the welfare of a child.All Nine subjects were transported to SP Painted Post, processed, arraigned in Caton Town Court and remanded to the Steuben County Jail in lieu of $5,000.00 cash $10,000.00 property bond.One of the nine subjects was released on an appearance ticket.Further charges are anticipated in this investigation.

Also assisting with this investigation is the Steuben County District Attorney’s Office, The Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, The Steuben County Department of Social Services, the Caton Fire Department and the Chemung County Humane Society.